Adventure Rating
How much Adventure do you want? This itinerary includes a few features to help gauge the following factors.
 Tour Pace: On a scale of 1 (slowest pace) to 5 (fastest pace), we’ve rated the following factors: number of 1-night hotels; driving miles per day; fullness of schedule; mid-tour airline flights; and average amount of walking per day.
 Walk Challenge: This number represents an average walk difficulty rating for the tour using a scale of 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest) [same criteria used by American Volkssport
Join us now as we turn south on a walking tour of Sicily, in search of a less-visited Italy, a more traditional corner of this storied land of picturesque countryside, quaint hill towns, delightful islands, ancient ruins, and exquisite food. Highlights of this Sicily tour include: Erice, a walled, mountain-top village built by medieval Norman Vikings with commanding views of the plains and Mediterranean Sea below; Agrigento, a 5th century B.C. Greek ghost town filled with the marble remnants of a once thriving classical Greek city which was demolished by invading Carthaginians; Taormina, a charming city on the sea not without its own Greek monuments, but also tempting as a delightful old town with the best granita cold drinks in Italy – and more!
The Pompeii, Amalfi, & Capri Pre-tour features a walk through Pompeii’s archeological digs; followed by a short hike to the throat of Mount Vesuvius, source of a volcanic explosion that rocked the ancient world; along with a chance to view Capri’s whitewashed villas, sweeping Mediterranean panoramas, lemon trees, narrow winding lanes – and more!
How to Register
To save yourself a spot on this Adventure, contact us to register with a $500 payment as soon as possible! Reservations will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis!
Already Early Birded?
If you are among the travelers who submitted $50 Early Bird deposits, you have until December 5 to secure your spot with an additional $450 (total of $500) registration.
A Note on the Walks
Walks are rated on a scale of 1-5. A walk rated 1 is fairly level and easy and a walk rated 5 is hilly and considered a challenging hike - see below for more details. (1 kilometer = .62 miles)
Pompeii, Amalfi, & Capri Pre-tour
DAY 1: APR 21: ARRIVE ROME (D)
You arrive today in the eternal city of Rome. Our hotel is near the airport and transportation from the airport to the hotel is included. Travelers who intend to visit Rome on their own should be aware that our hotel is selected for proximity to the airport; the city is a 30-45 minute taxi ride away. Since travelers are arriving throughout the day, our first group activity is a welcome dinner this evening with an opportunity to share more details about our exploration of Pompeii, Amalfi, & Capri during the coming days.
DAY 2: APR 22: ROME – SORRENTO (BD)
Rocca Priora – 10 km, rating unknown
For many years, our visits to Italy have included memorable trails with a friendly group of walkers from the Rome area. This club has invited us to walk a new route with them in Rocca Priora, part of a region in the wooded Alban Hills known as Castelli Romani (Castles of Rome). The area was favored in ancient times by the Roman elite, who appreciated its fresher climate and bucolic serenity. After what promises to be a stimulating cultural connection with our Italian walking friends, we continue south past Naples to the stunning coastal scenery of the Sorrento Peninsula, where we spend the next three nights.
DAY 3: APR 23: ACTIVITIES FROM SORRENTO (B)
Amalfi Valley Lemons & Legacies Walk – 7 km, rated 2+/3
The Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most renowned scenic drives. Our coach offers spectacular views high above the sea as it navigates this engineering marvel to the seaside town of Amalfi. One of Italy’s powerful city-states during the medieval period, Amalfi was renowned as the first producer of paper from cellulose (wood pulp) in the West. Today, it is known for vast tracts of lemon groves, which we pass during a delightful walk that ends with a fascinating visit to the Museo della Carta Amalfi (Amalfi Paper Museum).
DAY 4: APR 24: ACTIVITIES FROM SORRENTO (B)
Isle of Capri Walk – 10 km, rated 2+
A short ferry ride takes us to the storied island of Capri where a walk route winds through Capri’s captivating combination of charming villas, colorful gardens, splendid sea vistas, and tempting shopping lanes. We also visit the ruins of the villa of 1st century AD Roman Emperor Tiberius, who ruled the empire from Capri for the last ten years of his life. Late in the afternoon, the ferry returns us to Sorrento for our last night on the mainland.
DAY 5: APR 25: SORRENTO – FERRY TO SICILY (BD)
In one of the most dramatic volcanic explosions in recorded history, Mount Vesuvius erupted in the 1st century AD, smothering the city of Pompeii and preserving it until archeologists unveiled it in the 18th century. After exploring the evocative excavations, we drive up into Vesuvius National Park and hike the last several hundred meters to the infamous throat of Vesuvius itself. Later this afternoon, we visit the Naples National Archeological Museum to peruse finds from the ruins of Pompeii before we rendezvous with travelers arriving for the Sicily portion of the adventure. We’ll share a Welcome Dinner, then board a ferry for an overnight crossing to this magical island – the Jewel of the Mediterranean!
Walking Sicily - Jewel of the Mediterranean
DAY 1: APR 25: ARRIVE NAPLES, ITALY (D)
Our Adventure in Italy begins in the ancient city of Naples. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of WAI and transferred into the historic center of the city. Here you’ll rendezvous with travelers arriving from the Pompeii, Amalfi, & Capri Pre-tour at a Welcome Dinner, then board a ferry for an overnight crossing to this magical island.
DAY 2: APR 26: ARRIVE SICILY: PALERMO – ERICE (BD)
Walk #1a: Medieval Erice Walk – 5 km, rated 3
Our ship arrives Palermo early this morning, just in time for breakfast at a fun local bakery, following a demonstration by the master baker. One of Sicily’s surprises is the number of outsiders that have dominated this Mediterranean crossroads at various times throughout its long and eventful history. Viking Normans from northern Europe left their mark here in the form of beautiful Monreale Cathedral and Cloisters. The cathedral’s massive 800-year-old gold mosaics glisten as if they were crafted only yesterday. We continue to the delightful medieval hilltop town of Erice, another Norman masterpiece. From our hotel inside the city walls, we stroll down cobblestone lanes and up to castle parapets offering stunning views along the Sicilian coastline.
DAY 3: APR 27: ACTIVITIES FROM ERICE (B)
Walk #1b: Phoenician Mozia Island Walk – 5 km, rated 1
The day begins with a drive to the centuries-old salt works of Mozia, a photogenic patchwork of plots flooded with sea water, then harvested for the salt after days of evaporation under the persistent Sicilian sun. A ferry takes us to nearby Mozia Island, inhabited over 2700 years ago by Phoenicians – one of the first foreign people groups to leave a Sicilian legacy. Our walk is an easy circular route along the sea past several archeological digs. We arrive back in Erice this afternoon via cablecar, with nonstop panoramas of both seacoast and the farmland patchwork of spring. Relax and enjoy more of the charms of this walled hilltop town for the balance of the day!
DAY 4: APR 28: ERICE – AGRIGENTO (BD)
Walk #2: Selinunte Greek Temples & Quarries Walk – 10 km, rated 2
Selinunte is a Grecian ghost town of limestone columns situated dramatically along the southern Sicilian coast. Our walk winds between temples vacated in 404 BC to escape Carthaginian invaders, and continues along stone streets that once served a flourishing city from the Classical Greek period. After lunch, part two of our walk explores the nearby limestone quarry which supplied Selinunte’s stonework. Walking among columns only partially freed from living rock is a poignant reminder of the haste with which workers fled the rampaging Carthaginians.
DAY 5: APR 29: AGRIGENTO – SYRACUSE (BD)
From Agrigento, our route climbs through remote Sicilian countryside to an ancient Roman villa. Reminiscent of Pompeii, Villa Roma di Casale was preserved by a mudslide, offering a beautiful set of floor mosaics revealing much about life in Roman-controlled, 2nd century Sicily. We continue to southeast Sicily for a night in the ancient quarter of the Greek colony of Syracuse (Siracusa).
DAY 6: APR 30: SYRACUSE – TAORMINA (BD)
Walk #3a: Ionian Antiquity in Syracuse Walk – 5 km, rated 1+
This morning’s walk explores Ortegia, an island jutting into the sea once defended against invading Romans by ingenious war machines invented by the brilliant scientist Archimedes. The route takes us down narrow lanes, little changed since the medieval period, past Greek ruins, and along the azure waters of the marina. Following lunch, we enjoy a guided tour of the Greek theater that predates the Roman period, before continuing north to delightful Taormina.
DAY 7: MAY 1: ACTIVITIES FROM TAORMINA (B)
Walk #3b: Ionian Antiquity in Taormina Walk – 5 km, rated 1+
Taormina shares the Grecian heritage of Syracuse, and has gracefully blended its ancient attractions with contemporary shops, tempting cafes, and breathtaking views over the sea. Our walk explores these charms of Taormina during the morning hours, including a visit to a stunningly situated Greek theater. The afternoon is free to sample Taormina on your own.
DAY 8: MAY 2: TAORMINA – GALATI MAMERTINO (BD)
Walk #4: Milazzo Cliffs & Seacoast Walk – 8 km, rated 2 (unsanctioned)
We depart Taormina this morning for Milazzo. We participate here in a walk offering far-reaching panoramas over the northwest coastline of Sicily. From Milazzo, our coach turns inland through traditional mountain villages light years removed from the 21st century. In Galati Mamertino, a walking tour introduces us to local artisans skilled in handiwork passed down through generations of Sicilian families. We spend the night in a country inn where all food is grown on the farm, and we’re welcomed after dinner by a toe-tapping, foot-stomping troupe of Sicilian folklore musicians and dancers.
DAY 9: MAY 3: GALATI MAMERTINO – PALERMO (BD)
Walk #5: Galati Mamertino Mountain Sicily Walk – 10 km, rated 2+
The dramatic mountain scenery of northern Sicily is the highlight of this morning’s walk. After time for lunch in charming Galati Mamertino, we drive west on the scenic coastal highway towards Palermo, our home for the last night of our Sicilian Adventure. A Farewell Dinner tonight gives opportunity to remember the highlights of our journey of discovery on this beautiful Mediterranean island.
DAY 10: MAY 4: RETURN HOME FROM PALERMO (B)
Following our transfer to the Palermo International Airport, we say goodbye to our walking companions and the fabled island of Sicily. We return home with a new appreciation for the history, scenery, and culture of Sicily - Jewel of the Mediterranean.
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What's Included
Pompeii, Amalfi & Capri Pre-tour 2012
April 21 – 25, 2012 l 5 Days l $1475
Including:
- Airport to hotel transfers on first day *
- All land travel as outlined
- Superior first class or better hotel accommodations (3-star or better)
- 7 meals: All breakfasts and 3 dinners as denoted (BD)
- 3 IVV-sanctioned walks as listed **
- Fees for walking credit
- WAI guide service throughout
- Cultural and historical expertise of our local guide throughout
- All tipping for local guides and coach drivers
- A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement of $175
- Entrance fees/admissions to:
- Amalfi Paper Museum – Amalfi
- Round-trip ferry to Isle of Capri
- Villa of Emperor Tiberius – Capri
- Pompeii Archeological Site with guided tour – Pompeii
- Vesuvius National Park – Pompeii
- Naples National Archeological Museum
- More fun stops than we can list!
Walking Sicily - Jewel of the Mediterranean 2012
April 25 – May 4, 2012 l 10 Days l $3790
Including:
- Airport to ship transfers on first day; hotel to airport transfer on last day*
- Ferry from Naples to Sicily; cabin with en suite facilities
- All land travel as outlined
- Superior first class or better hotel accommodations (3-star or better)
- 16 meals: All breakfasts and 7 dinners as denoted (BD)
- 4 IVV-sanctioned walks and 1 unsanctioned walk **
- Fees for walking credit
- WAI guide service throughout
- Cultural and historical expertise of our local guide throughout
- All tipping for local guides and coach drivers
- A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement of $495
- Entrance fees/admissions to:
- Monreale Cathedral and Cloisters – Monreale
- Round-trip ferry to Mozia Island
- Cable car to Erice
- Admission to Mozia Island
- Selinunte Greek Archeological Site – Selinunte
- Villa Roma di Casale Archeological Site – Piazza Armerina
- Syracuse Greek Archeological Park with local guide – Syracuse
- Greek Theater – Taormina
- Sicilian Folklore Show – Galati Mamertino
- More fun stops than we can list!
* Details of transfers provided are listed in Adventure Advice memo sent upon receipt of tour registration.
** Sanctioning for walks has been applied for but not yet received. As of the date of brochure publication, sanctioning for most walks is expected but not guaranteed.
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Registration Details
To reserve your spot on this adventure, please mail the Registration Form along with a $500 per person deposit, or call in with your credit card. Make checks payable to Walking Adventures International. VISA, MasterCard, and Discover also accepted.
The General Tour Conditions contain important information you should read before you register.
Mail payments to:
Walking Adventures International
PO Box 871000
Vancouver WA 98687-1000
USA
Travel Insurance
Walking Adventures has negotiated with an insurance carrier to provide travel insurance in the form of a Preferred Benefits™ policy. We are pleased to make this package available and believe that it will provide travelers with an important element of security at a reasonable price.
Why We Walk
Why We Walk
Walking and travel are a natural combination! For over 20 years, our Walking Adventures International team has been offering walking programs around the world, and we’ve found that walking and motorcoach travel is the best way to tour. Our coach takes you efficiently from point to point with little wasted time, but walking lets you get off the bus, stretch your legs, and explore the "must see" highlights and off-the-beaten-track wonders. For more on Why We Walk, click here.
Walk Rating System
1. An easy walk on pavement or well-maintained trail with no significant hills.
2. A moderately easy walk, may be on pavement or on trails. No significant difficulty with hills.
3. A moderate walk in any setting with some difficult terrain, one or two substantial hills and/or steps.
4. A more difficult walk. Most likely in a natural setting with poorly maintained paths and steeper or hilly inclines.
5. A very difficult walk. All in rough fields or woods. Many steep hills or high altitude trails, or very rough uneven terrain, steep or unstable inclines.
Volkssport
Some travelers like to keep track of their walks with a system known as volkssport. Click here if you’d like to know more about volkssport.
General Questions
And follow this link for more details on topics like: WAI’s approach to airfare, the number of people accepted on a tour, and finding a roommate!
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